Featherstone star Maitua joins Salford

Featherstone’s former Australia and Samoa international second-rower Reni Maitua has joined Super League side Salford Red Devils on loan for the rest of the season.

Rovers signed the 33-year-old ex-Canterbury Bulldogs, Cronulla and Parramatta player last December on a two-year contract.

He scored five tries in 13 appearances for the Championship club after arriving in this country in April.

Maitua played for the Kangaroos under Salford director of rugby Tim Sheens before switching his allegiance to Samoa, for whom he played in the 2014 Four Nations Series.

Salford assistant coach Ian Watson said: ‘We are really excited about the forthcoming challenge of the Middle 8s and a player of Reni’s experience and versatility will be a great asset for the club in this series of matches.

“Reni has been one of the outstanding performers in the Championship this year and we are very confident with his huge experience at the very highest levels of the game that we can hit the ground running in Super League.”

Rovers chairman Mark Campbell said: “It has been an absolute pleasure to have Reni at the club, both on and off the pitch, I can’t speak highly enough of him.

“Reni came over here with an ambition to play in the Super 8s and he now has the opportunity to do this with Salford Red Devils, I only wish it was with us and I hope all goes well for him.

Maitua said: “I can’t thank the club enough for allowing me to take up the opportunity at Salford Red Devils. It was a big decision to come to England and one I’ve not regretted.

“Everyone involved with the club, from the board to the fans has been awesome and I’m going to miss Featherstone and have nothing but fond memories of my time here.

“I’m sure the boys will be giving it their best shot in the Kingstone Press Championship Shield and I’ll be keeping an eye on results that’s for sure.”